Blog about taking back our kids and ourselves from the world. We now strive to serve God in all that we do, we home school our children and we offer foster care to children…..all as Servants of Christ.

My family’s morning routine is on the top of my ‘make improvements’ heap. Our school schedule is fine, having worked out the bugs and kinks months ago. It is the actual getting up and getting motivated that needs help. Not only do I have to get out of bed after only a few hours of sleep in some instances (ADHD and insomnia go hand in hand for me), but I also have to motivate two grumpy teenagers. The little ones are a breeze, as they bound out of bed with a smile and a giggle, and are raring to face the day. It makes me a little tired just watching them……and envious 🙂

The goal that I have in mind for fixing our mornings is not more chore charts, schedules and routines, but a change of heart. Rising up and giving God the glory is what all of us Christians should be doing……every morning, regardless of how we feel. He, in His infinite wisdom, has given us another day to do His work, to show the world what His might can do. The Bible tells us that Jesus rose early in the morning and spent time with His Father. Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. We would do well to follow that example.

How many of us actually do this though? I want to get up really early and spend formal time with God, such as reading my Bible and praying in solitude, but with the thoughts of the demanding day ahead, the pain in my muscles from a restless sleep, and the weariness of too few hours of slumber, I find myself harried and rushed. That is not to say that I do not spend my first waking moments, and most of the moments throughout the day, in conversation with my Lord. Because of my life-long struggles of getting out of bed early, I make a point to remember who has allowed me to wake up at all!

Rise and shine, and give God the Glory!

This year, I will strive once again to make a resolution on morning worship. We read the Bible during our homeschool, and again at night for our family devotions…….of course, you can never get enough of the Bible……….so, the kids and I will read the daily entry from My Utmost for His Highest, written by Oswald Chambers. I even found a little children’s version of his writings for my little ones. I may not be able to rise before dawn, nor do I rise at the crack of dawn, but my morning can still start off with His praises. After all, my heart does, and always will, belong to Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.